South Dakota Restaurant Gets $50,000 Grant To Preserve History

One South Dakota Restaurant and Lounge is getting $50,000 from a group “Backing Historic Small Restaurants”.

Brookings' beloved Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge has been selected to receive a prestigious $50,000 grant from the "Backing Historic Small Restaurants" program, a joint initiative between the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express.

Established in 1949, the Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge holds the distinction of being Brookings' oldest full-service restaurant, serving the community for over seven decades.

This recognition places the iconic establishment among just 50 restaurants nationwide chosen for the competitive grant program in 2024.

The "Backing Historic Small Restaurants" initiative, now in its fifth year, specifically targets small and independently owned restaurants that contribute significantly to their neighborhood's unique history and cultural identity.

The $50,000 funding will enable the Pheasant to enhance its operations while continuing to positively impact the local community.

Since its inception, this remarkable program has demonstrated impressive reach and impact, awarding over $8 million in grants to 180 historic small restaurants across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

These grants have proven instrumental in preserving America's diverse culinary heritage while supporting the beloved neighborhood establishments that anchor communities.

The Pheasant's selection underscores the restaurant's vital role in Brookings' cultural landscape and its enduring contribution to South Dakota's dining heritage.